More gales on the way - drivers urged to take extra care

POLICE are warning motorists and pedestrians to take extra care following weather warnings.

High winds are forecast from 9pm tonight, which are expected to last for most of the evening.

A cold snap is also expected for the early hours of tomorrow, which may cause slippery conditions on many roads, with black ice in some places.

Motorists are asked to take extra care, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and to watch out for debris which may be blown into their path.

Drivers of high-sided vehicles, motor homes or cars towing caravans should be extra-cautious, especially when driving on exposed roads.

Earlier today, police shut the A1 between Durham and Chester-le-Street in both directions after a lorry lost its load - a garden shed.

The weather also led to delays to CrossCountry trains running between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle, and there were problems on the Tyne & Wear Metro due to debris on the track between South Hylton and Pelaw.